"This time last year up to the end of November we had 28 dismissals which was horrendous and there were 13 alone in October.

"I've just had a conversation with [sacked Exeter boss] John Cornforth and now I hear that a high-profile and excellent manager like Peter Reid has
been dismissed.

"Peter has been successful, he has done exceptionally well but he has not been able to stem the tide of late.

The Reid years

1995: Succeeds Mick Buxton and beats the drop

1996: Wins D1 title

1997: Relegated

1998: Loses play-off final

1999: Wins D1 title

2000: Leads team to 7th place finish

2001: New 4-year deal, finishes 7th again

2002: Just beats drop, but fired after Arsenal loss, 9 games into season

"Peter has given his heart to the club and it's come to an end.

"I think he will lick his wounds, get his breath back and then make a decision - his career is far from finished."

Graeme Sharp, a former team-mate of Reid's at Everton, said: "He will be very disappointed. He has received a lot of criticism, which has been pretty harsh because he has done a fantastic job at Sunderland.

"He is leaving them in a far healthier state than when he arrived because it
looked as though they were going to get relegated to the Second Division.

"Peter has nothing to be ashamed of. The treatment he has received from some fans has been atrocious."

Former Sunderland boss Lawrie McMenemy added: "Peter took them to seventh twice prior to last season and a small section of the crowd, which can be a bit naughty, turned on him."

David O'Leary and George Graham are the early favourites to replace Reid at the Stadium of Light.